The plain truth is that plain packaging does not cut smoking
The market, rather than the government, has created an alternative in e-cigarettes, most of which vie directly against Big Tobacco
In countries such as Canada, France, the UK and SA, measures aimed at reducing smoking and tobacco use are on the primary docket. Chief in each government’s arsenal is a requirement that cigarette and tobacco products be subject to plain packaging, with all cigarette logos and designs excluded and graphic warnings taking up all space. That’s caused a lot of panic at Big Tobacco. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has often invoked the health risk posed by tobacco, and for good reason. It is estimated that as much as 21% of South African teenagers currently smoke. "Our message is that cigarettes have no place in modern life. Big cigarette companies have never won any case. I am very confident that within my lifetime there will be no smoking in the world. We will defeat it," said Motsoaledi. Motsoaledi has mentioned having plain packaging regulations across South African shops, just like in Australia and the UK. Reducing teen smoking is a goal we should all share. But in the age of tech...
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